With the holiday season imminent, many of us are making plans to visit family or preparing to embark on a much-needed vacation break. Despite the generous spirit of the holiday season, it is also a time when burglaries and illegal break-ins soar. Planning on fortifying your home with heavy gates, iron doors and burly security guards when you leave home for the holidays? It’s certainly an imposing way to keep the burglars at bay when you’re away. While you’re probably worried about your home security, it doesn’t need to be this extreme. Simple security measures and alarm systems will do the trick. Follow this 5 step guide to improve home security during the holiday season.
Secure Doors and Windows
It’s imperative that you lock all the doors and windows in your house properly. For regular doors, you should use deadbolts. If you have sliding glass doors, please a large wood piece on the track to block unwanted access. Try and lock your doors and windows in advance – many homeowners rush at the last minute and may forget to lock a door in the process.
Light Up the House
Burglars find it easiest to break into a home with dim external lighting – especially a poorly lit vacant house. They love darkness and dim lighting facilitates that. Consider installing motion sensor lights. The added lighting will make it tougher for burglars to lurk around without getting caught. Use timers to switch on the lights when you’re gone to give the impression that someone is around – even if no one is.
Don’t Install High Fences and Bushes
Burglars love high fences and bushes – it’s easier for them to conceal themselves, especially when there’s no one around to catch them. Tall and thick shrubs around your doors and windows are perfect catalysts for home burglaries. Contrary to common belief that high fences provide added protection, they actually facilitate more burglaries than they prevent. High privacy fences keep burglars out of plain sight. Simple home security steps should be undertaken to keep your garden flora and structures to an aesthetic minimum.
Keep Valuables Hidden From Plain Sight
Another welcoming sign for burglars is when you display items that scream affluence near your windows and door openings. Many homeowners are guilty of displaying their beautiful crystal-wear and lavish home ornaments for everyone to see – even when they are not at home. When you go on vacation during the holidays, make sure you park your car in an enclosed garage. If you got valuable crystals in your home, shut all your blinds. If you just bought a state-of-the-art TV, don’t place it in a location that is visible from the outside. Remember if it was attractive to you, it will be attractive to the crook too.
Hide Display of Branded Alarm Systems
If your home is protected by alarm systems and video cameras, do not display their brand. When burglars recognise the security system brand, they can figure out how to disable it before getting into your home. What good is a disabled alarm system that doesn’t go off when needed?
This home security guide is designed to show you that simple tricks like installing secure unbranded alarm systems, bright lighting and manicured bushes will make your home a safer haven when you’re away this holiday season.